As you read through an American History book, hundreds of names pop out at you. The names are of men, who helped our nation, the names are of heroes. But if you read closely, you will soon see that not all our nations" heroes were men. There have been many women that have shaped our lives and have become heroines. Clara Barton was one such woman. Through many strides, Clara, changed education, aided countless Civil War soldiers and their families, and began the Red Cross in America. Her efforts would change the face of war and modern medicine. .
Clarissa Harlowe Barton, also know as Clara Barton, was born on December 25, 1821 in North Oxford, Massachusetts (Sahlman 1). Clara was the daughter of Stephen Barton, a farmer, and Sarah Barton, an at home mother. Clara was the youngest of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. Clara's brothers and sisters took on a large part in caring for Clara when she was young and were responsible for most of Clara's education. Clara started school at the age of three, which at the time was not an uncommon age to start a formal education (Biography 1). With her brothers and sisters help, Clara was able to spell three-syllable words, at the age of four (Sahlman 1). Clara found school to be easy and took interest in subjects such as philosophy, chemistry, and Latin (Sahlman 1). Clara always excelled in school and was encouraged greatly by her family for her scholastic achievements (Biography 1).
As Clara reached her late childhood her interests began to grow. She soon found that she enjoyed helping others. At the age of eleven, when her brother fell from the rafters of a barn, Clara quickly volunteered to nurse him back to health, and continued doing so for the next two years (Biography 2). Clara's joy for helping did not stop with her brother. She soon involved herself in charity work; such as tutoring children and assisting others when they became ill (Biography 2).
